Learning & Formation

What does it look like to follow the way of Jesus? What did it look like for our ancestors in faith? What does it look like for us today? These are the questions at the heart of our Learning & Formation programs.

We tackle these questions from living room couches and Sunday School classrooms, and yes, via Zoom. We dive deep into the Bible, wrestle with topics like Christian approaches to prayer, justice, forgiveness, food, service, and community, and listen to Christian voices both ancient and modern. The goal is to both know our faith and be formed into the kind of people who can live it out in the world.

The mix of opportunities is always changing. A few are listed below. Be sure to check out the calendar for what’s coming up next. And if you don’t see something you like, reach out to our pastor to propose an idea: (413) 298-3137.

Explore Our Learning & Formation Programs

Engaging Children

Kid’s Time in Worship

During Sunday Worship, Pastor Brent shares a story with the families and children. For these times of online worship, these stories can be seen on the church’s YouTube channel.

Kid’s Time videos

Children’s Activities

Each Sunday there are new resources for families to engage with their children. Compiled by the Board of Christian Education, these worksheets and activities bring Bible stories and other teachings to life. If you would like to receive emails about the weekly activities, please contact the church at office@stockbridgeucc.org.

Comprehensive Bible Study, led by Pastor Brent

There is simply nothing quite like reading and considering the full Bible together. There is wonder in discovering new details or meaning in stories we thought we knew so well. There are connections between the stories that are suddenly illuminated either in ways we hadn’t noticed or because our life situation now helps us to see them. There is the gift of struggling with challenging passages – even those that have caused hurt or pain. There is the beauty of hearing others’ perspectives that help shape our own. There is the whole arc of it that puts the life and teachings of Jesus in context. There is, of course, the kind of relationships that develop when you spend intentional and thoughtful time with others pursuing something good.

This year, I am delighted to lead a new curriculum “Kerygma: Discovering the Bible (A New Generation).” There are thirty lessons to this study, and it is laid out to take us from Genesis to Revelation. Thus far, I have found the study guide to be thoughtful and thought provoking. It provides enough information to stimulate good exploration without bogging the user down in too much detail. The reading load usually includes about seven fairly short readings easily spread out through the week (ideal) or handled more intensely if needed. There are good questions and activities that not only get at what the material is all about, but why it matters for us today. There is a copy of the Curriculum in the small conference room on the table. Feel free to take a look (and please leave it for others to do the same).

Beyond the curriculum, participants are encouraged to have a study Bible for their use. I am happy to help you pick one out that suits you. While we invite people to cover the costs of the workbook ($35) and Bible (if needed), the church never wants study to be a financial burden, so it is never a requirement.

I plan to offer this study in two different ways:

Hybrid Mid-Day – Begins Wednesday, September 20, planned for Wednesdays 11:45am until 1:00pm (alternatively, it could be done on another weekday)

Gathered in person and on-line, this approach will tackle one section weekly. We will engage the lesson while also building relationships with each other.

Sign-up for Hybrid Mid-Day series

Evening In Person-In Depth – Begins Wednesday, September 27, planned for the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month 5:45-7:45

This approach will tackle two sections every other week. Given the length and the in-person dimension, we will allow the conversation to lead us deeply into those places of mutual interest. On the second Wednesdays we will start by grabbing some food at the community supper; on fourth Wednesdays we will figure out whether and how to add some food into our gathering.

Sign-up for Evening In-person series

Given the nature of this study, it is important for people to make a commitment to being present when possible. Obviously, most people will not be able attend all the sessions, but we hope this will be a priority for the people who sign up. Please contact Pastor Brent with any questions, fears, hopes, or dilemmas.

“Wholehearted Faith” Book Study

Last year’s small group studies of Rachel Held Evans book “Inspired” led to many rich discussions and new perspectives on stories in the Bible. Her writing style is very accessible, and she shares reflections on her faith with honesty, humor and humility. She died tragically at the early age of 37. The book “Wholehearted Faith” was completed by her colleague Jeff Chu and was published posthumously.

This year, the Board of Christian Education invites you to join us as we read Evans’ final book, Wholehearted Faith. We are offering three to four small group sessions that will meet monthly beginning in late September and ending in April. Our hope is that meeting monthly will not only afford the opportunity for wonderful discussions but also that it will give us time for reflection and action as we strive to live in Wholehearted Faith. Each meeting will be an hour and a half.

We plan to offer this study in three different ways, all beginning in late September:

Sunday Morning In-Person, starts Sept 24 (not on Choir Sundays) – 8:30 – 9:50am
Morning Hybrid –Mondays 9:00-10:30am, starts Sept 25. Gathered in person and on-line.
Afternoon On-line – Thursdays 4:00-5:30pm, starts September 28.

Substitute days/times can be chosen at first meetings by the group.

Reach out to Will Garrison to sign up for a section. Questions – please contact Kim Ruffing.

While we invite people to cover the costs of the book ($18), the church never wants study to be a financial burden, so it is never a requirement.

Black Sacred Music

African American music is American music, from blues to rock and roll, Motown, jazz, funk and hip hop. Within that, there is a rich heritage of black sacred music that evolved from spirituals to gospel, hymns, freedom songs and sacred jazz. In honor of black history month, the Christian Education board presents a series on black sacred music.

Click on the button below to explore Spirituals, Sacred Jazz, Freedom Songs, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

black sacred music

Morning Prayer Services

In this quiet, contemplative time we draw closer to God and one another through prayer and sharing. Come and see. On Wednesdays, we join via Zoom; on Thursdays in-person under the tent on the church’s north lawn.

Each service begins at 8:00am and concludes by 8:25am.

Two women and a man engage in coversation about the Bible

Bible Study

Our Wednesday afternoon adult study, led by Rev. Rick Floyd on Zoom, is based on that Sunday’s preaching text and meets from 1:00 to 2:00. It’s a great chance to dive more deeply into the context and setting of the reading, prepare for worship, and consider how the Bible applies to our individual and collective lives. Each week is a different text, so come when you can.